Abstract: An energy control and transmission system which monitors temperature in piping systems, electronic systems and the like. Energy in the form of a heated or chilled fluid is delivered to the devices and/or regions of interest to maintain temperature conditions thereat within a safe range of values. Electrical energy employed in the system is confined to the location from which the fluid is pumped, eliminating the presence of electricity in hazardous or dangerous areas. Non-electrical temperature indicators are utilized to permit branching flow of the temperature controlling fluid from a closed loop responsive to detection of a temperature condition outside of the desired range of values. The opening of such a branching path triggers operation of a pressure sensitive switch which activates a pump for delivery of the temperature controlling fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus accurately controls output water temperature of an instantaneous water heater to maintain a desired outlet temperature. A first electronic sensing device senses a flow of water through the heater, and an ignition sequence commences when flow has been detected. A second electronic sensing device senses an outlet water temperature of the heater, and a third electronic sensing device senses a midway water temperature of the heater. The burner output or outputs are controlled to maintain the desired outlet temperature, based on changes in water flow and incoming water temperature. With multiple burners, the burner outputs are staged to accurately control the output water temperature of the instantaneous water heater to maintain the desired outlet temperature.

Abstract: A water heater controller including hot water supply temperature sensor, a return water temperature sensor, a cold water flow sensor, a recirculation loop ambient temperature sensor, and a processor and control unit for controlling the heating of water and the circulation of water.

Abstract: A method and control system are disclosed for operating an integrated heating system for space heating and tankless domestic hot water heating utilizing an infrared burner module and heat exchanger coil. When the system is below 100% capacity, the burner is pulsed using a constant pulse period and varying the on-pulse width to vary capacity, or where a minimum on-pulse width is maintained the off-pulse width is varied to vary capacity.

Abstract: A heating system providing an instantaneous source of hot water to either a water sink or to a source of heat or to both. The system includes means for receiving cold water and converting it to hot water where the cold water is converted to hot water essentially instantaneously, obviating the need for a water storage tank. The heat in the water is converted to a source of space heat utilizing a water to air heat exchanger. The system also includes means for directing the flow of hot water to the water to air heat exchanger in response to a demand for heat signal, and means for directing the flow of hot water to hot water sinks. A flow rate detector monitors the flow to the sink and provides a signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: A supervisory computer automatically equalizes the temperature of effluent streams of a multipass heating system to maximize heat transfer, without substantially disturbing a desired total flow through the heating system. Temperature control is achieved by manipulating the division of a feed stream among the multiple passes. In addition, if the flow in one or more passes cannot be manipulated, the control scheme automatically equalizes the temperatures of the remaining passes. This is accomplished by calculating a flow rate for adjusting the flow through the number of passes under supervisory control to a value, which in addition with any uncontrolled flow, will provide the desired total flow through the heating system. This adjusted flow rate is used as an approximate set point for the flow rate in each controlled pass. The adjusted flow rate signal is modified for control of each individual pass by applyng a bias through a conventional controller acting on a weighted average temperature signal.

Abstract: Domestic tankless water heating is incorporated into a space heating system. The space heating system includes a fluid flow loop with a fluid pump for circulating the fluid in the loop and a remote fan coil for transferring heat to the air in the space to be heated. The heat source is an infrared burner and the heating of the domestic water may be either directly by the burner through radiative and convective heat exchange in an open loop system or by heat exchange in a tube-in-tube heat exchanger which is in series with the fan coil in a closed loop system.

Abstract: The control utilizes sensed gas pressure downstream of the thermostat controlled valve as an indication of heat demand. A low limit transducer is placed at 50 to 90 percent of the tank height to maintain adequate heated water for casual uses without excessive burner cycling. A flow transducer is integrated with a heat trap. The control uses output of the flow transducer (combined with the timing out of an interval timer) to enable an excursion from the low limit set point to the thermostat high limit.

Abstract: An oil and gas fueled hot water heater system having improved efficiency and performance embodies air and fuel regulator valves, water and air supply jackets, cold and hot water insulating check valves, and flow directors and restrictors for the hot combustion gas generated by the heater burner which gas passes through a central flue in a water storage tank and is then exhausted through an exhaust vent to atmosphere. The air and fuel regulator valves are non-electrically controlled and are responsive to water demand requirements for improved heater efficiency and performance. The water supply jacket closely surrounds the central flue and receives supply water at the top thereof and discharges same to the bottom of the storage tank thereby increasing the heat transfer characteristics of the heater. The air supply jacket surrounds the exhaust vent and air is drawn in through the top of the jacket along the exhaust vent for preheating and then is directed to the burner to support combustion.

Abstract: A feedwater controller for a flash type water tube boiler wherein feedwater flow through steam generating coils heated by combustion gases is compensated and adjusted, in order to provide proper combustion heat input over a broad range of boiler operating pressures and feedwater temperatures. Flowing feedwater affects combustion heat input through predetermined variations in fuel and air input to the boiler's burner. As disclosed, the first embodiment utilizes temperature and pressure compensating gates in a cylindrical orifice containing a spherical flow control member. Fuel/air control of the generator is provided through movement of the flow control member due to the forces induced by flowing feedwater. In an alternate embodiment, utilizes a piston in the feedwater flow path having a slotted cylindrical metering orifice attached thereto. Internal of the cylindrical orifice is a cooperating temperature compensated helical flow control member.

Abstract: Batch-type water heating apparatus includes a heat exchanger in which water is heated as it is circulated therethrough, a water storage zone, a flow control device, a water pump, and associated water lines connecting these components to form a closed water circulating loop. Additional water lines associated with the flow control device provide for the withdrawal of heated water from the loop and the addition of make-up water to the loop as water is withdrawn therefrom. The flow control device includes a valve and a thermostat for sensing the water temperature at the outlet of the storage zone. The flow control device is operable to position the valve to facilitate withdrawal of heated water from the loop when the sensed temperature exceeds a predetermined value and to position the valve to facilitate circulation of water around the loop when the sensed temperature is below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A hot water control system, for providing unlimited domestic hot water upon demand and for conserving fuel, comprises first temperature control means responsive to temperature in the input conduit to a boiler for controlling the firing of the boiler, and diverting means responsive to changes in demand for diverting hot water from the output conduit of the boiler to the input conduit, in order to continue firing of the boiler when demand is reduced, and to delay firing of the boiler when demand is increased, so that the heat of previously heated water can be used.

Abstract: A quick recovery heat pump water heater includes a water storage tank with first and second tank portions, and sensing means for indicating the demand for hot water in the tank portions. A water pump and an external heat source are provided. Control means responsive to an indication from the sensing means of a demand for hot water in the first tank portion initially establishes communication of the first tank portion with the pump and external heat source and turns them on. The control means then responds to an indication from the sensing means that the demand for hot water in the first tank portion has been satisfied and establishes communication of the second tank portion with the pump and external heat source. Finally, the control means is responsive to an indication from the sensing means that the demand for hot water in the second tank portion has been satisfied and turns off the pump and external heat source.

Abstract: An energy saving control circuit for a water heater having a hot water storage tank provided with an electrically operated heater, i.e., an electric heater or an electrically controlled combustion burner, includes a water flow detection device associated with either the cold water inlet or hot water outlet of the tank for sensing the flow of water into or out of the tank and arranged to energize the heater upon detection of water flow indicative of the withdrawal of water from the tank. A holding circuit maintains the heater energized, even though the flow of water ceases, until such time as a thermostatic switch responsive to the temperature of the water in the tank disables the holding circuit and deenergizes the heater upon the water stored in the tank attaining a predetermined desired temperature.

Abstract: Each heating zone in a structure includes a thermostat controlling a valve feeding one or more heat delivering devices in a heat controlled zone in a structure. A controller periodically attempts to flow a fluid through the control valves and a flow sensor determines whether or not the attempt is successful. If the attempt is unsuccessful, indicating that all control valves are closed, the controller terminates the attempt to flow fluid. If the attempt is successful, indicating that one or more of the control valves are opened by their respective thermostats, the controller provides the circulation of heated fluid therethrough which results in the delivery of heat into the temperature controlled zones. When the last temperature controlled zone has received sufficient heat to cause its control valve to turn off, the flow sensor, sensing this condition, produces a signal which causes the controller to discontinue the flow of fluid.

Abstract: In an automatic water heater having a casing, a support base, a water tank with an outlet in its top wall, and a hot water intake in its bottom wall, a combustion chamber in said base including a bonnet having an exhaust outlet, and a flue pipe axially disposed through said tank connected to said bonnet outlet, the improvement which comprises a cast iron gas burner supported on said base having a gas inlet. A series of spirally arranged continuous copper pipe coils are nested within the bonnet overlying said burner having a cold water inlet at said base and an outlet connected to the hot water intake. A hot water delivery pipe at one end is connected to the tank outlet and has at least one water faucet. An electronic igniter extends into the combustion chamber and includes an electrical circuit with power means for intermittently activating said igniter. A gas delivery pipe is connected to said gas inlet and includes a normally enclosed solenoid actuated gas valve.